Monday 23 / December / 2024
Muscat: The stakes couldn’t be higher as Oman’s national football team takes on Qatar in a decisive Group A encounter at the 26th Gulf Cup on Tuesday at the Jaber Al Mubarak Stadium in Kuwait. The match kicks off at 6:25 pm, Oman time.
The showdown offers Rasheed Jaber-coached Oman a golden opportunity to make a bold claim for a semi-final spot.
Both teams enter the match level on points after 1-1 draws in their opening fixtures, with Oman impressing against hosts Kuwait and Qatar sharing the spoils with the UAE. For Oman, a victory would mark a significant step toward a semi-final spot, while anything less would complicate their path forward in this fiercely competitive group.
Jaber emphasised his team’s readiness and confidence during the pre-match press conference on Monday.
“The match will be strong, and we are capable of winning against Qatar to secure the three points. We understand the difficulty of the task, but we have the determination and mental presence to achieve this,” said Jaber.
He highlighted the importance of his players staying composed and maintaining focus throughout the game.
Oman’s resilience was on display in their opening match, where they equalized just eight minutes after conceding to hosts Kuwait.
Striker Essam Al Sabhi scored the crucial goal, and goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini made key saves to preserve the draw.
Jaber acknowledged the significance of these performances while stressing the need to elevate the team’s tactical and mental sharpness against Qatar.
Omani midfielder Abdullah Fawaz echoed his coach’s sentiments. He said, “We’ve turned the page on the first match and are fully focused on tomorrow’s game. The chances are equal, and as players, we are determined to win and secure the first three points.”
Key player Salah Al Yahyaei is expected to be ready for the game, with Jaber underlining his influence on the team’s dynamics. However, the absence of striker Mohsen Al Ghassani will be felt, prompting tactical adjustments to compensate for the void.
For Qatar, led by Spanish head coach Luis Garcia, the focus will be on bouncing back from their opening draw. Garcia, in his second match at the helm, acknowledged his team’s challenges while expressing confidence in their ability to regroup and improve.
“The time between matches is short, but we must address our mistakes and build on the positives,” Garcia noted.
Historically, Qatar has been a dominant force against Oman, winning 19 of their 34 encounters and remaining unbeaten since 2009.
With all Group A teams level on one point each, the second-round games on Tuesday could be decisive in shaping the semi-final race. Oman’s final group-stage match is set against the UAE on December 27, while Qatar will face Kuwait.
A win for either side on Tuesday would offer a significant boost in what promises to be a tightly contested group.
Possible lineups: Oman: Ibrahim Al Mukhaini; Amjad Al Harthi, Ahmed Al Khamisi, Mohammed Al Musalami, Ali Al Busaidi; Harib Al Saadi, Jameel Al Yahmadi; Zahir Al Aghbari, Abdullah Fawaz, Arshad Al Alawi; Essam Al Sabhi.
Qatar: Meshaal Barsham; Tarek Salman, Homam Al Amin, Bahaa Ellethy; Assim Madibo, Ahmed Fathy, Abdulaziz Hatem, Pedro Miguel; Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Yusuf Abdurisag.
